The fashion industry is mourning the loss of Isak Andic, the founder of the globally recognized fashion brand Mango, who tragically died in a mountain accident on Saturday. The 71-year-old entrepreneur met his untimely demise during a family hiking trip in the Montserrat caves near Barcelona, Spain, after a fall from a cliff over 100 meters high, according to police reports.
Andic’s sudden death has left a significant gap in the fashion world. Toni Ruiz, the CEO of Mango, expressed his sorrow over the loss, highlighting the profound influence Andic had on both the company and the broader fashion industry. Ruiz emphasized that Andic’s legacy and achievements are a testament to his life’s work, and it is their duty to ensure that Mango continues to embody the ambitious vision that Andic was so proud of.
Born in Istanbul, Andic moved with his family to Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain, in the 1960s. He founded Mango in 1984, which has since evolved into a global fashion powerhouse. At the time of his death, Andic had accumulated a fortune of $4.5 billion, according to Forbes, and served as the non-executive chairman of the company.
Andic was often likened to Amancio Ortega, the owner of Inditex, known as the world’s largest fast-fashion retailer. Despite the competition, Andic’s Mango held its own in the fashion industry, carving out a unique niche and establishing a strong brand identity.
In 2023, Mango reported a turnover of 3.1 billion euros, with online sales making up 33% of its business. The brand has a significant global footprint, operating in over 120 markets worldwide. Andic’s death marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to shape the fashion industry for years to come.